Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken

Crack Chicken is one of those recipes that seems to be everywhere—especially for keto lovers. Why? Because it’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying! This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is a dream come true for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you get to enjoy a rich, flavorful dish that’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and tons of flavor.

Imagine juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory bacon and ranch seasoning. This recipe is not just for keto enthusiasts; it’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even parties. Best of all, it’s easy to make, with minimal effort required on your part.

The combination of cream cheese, chicken, ranch seasoning, and bacon is seriously addictive (hence the “crack” part), and the slow cooker ensures the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re on the keto diet or simply looking for a tasty, comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors into one dish. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Keto-Friendly: With minimal carbs, this recipe is perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
2. Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to go about your day while it simmers to perfection.
3. Tons of Flavor: With ranch seasoning, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese, this dish is packed with rich flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
4. Versatile: Serve it over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or just eat it straight out of the bowl.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for making in advance and storing for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

My Personal Experience:

As someone who’s been following a keto lifestyle for a while now, I’m always looking for quick and easy recipes that are both delicious and satisfying. When I first tried this Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken, I was hooked! The creamy texture of the sauce combined with the rich flavor of the chicken and the crispy bits of bacon was just incredible.

What I love most about this recipe is how little effort goes into making it. I simply toss everything into the slow cooker, let it cook, and within a few hours, I have a meal that’s not only comforting but also packed with flavor. It’s great for busy days when I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want something tasty and nutritious. This is definitely one of those recipes that I find myself coming back to again and again.

Required Equipment:

For this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:

1. Slow Cooker: A good slow cooker is the backbone of this recipe. It should have a large enough capacity to comfortably fit the chicken and sauce ingredients, with room for expansion as everything cooks down and combines. A slow cooker with a timer function is a bonus, as it allows you to set it and forget it, without worrying about overcooking.
2. Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the chicken and chopping the bacon. A sharp knife is crucial here to make clean cuts through the chicken and bacon.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements will ensure that the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and other ingredients are just right for the perfect balance of flavors.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients when necessary, especially when you’re mixing in the cream cheese and bacon with the chicken.
5. Tongs or a Fork: These are useful for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked, making it easy to incorporate into the creamy sauce.

Ingredients & Substitutions:

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Chicken Breasts (3-4 pieces, boneless & skinless): The chicken is the base of this dish. Boneless, skinless breasts cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly fattier cut.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The cream cheese gives the dish its signature creamy texture. It melts perfectly in the slow cooker, creating a rich sauce. For a lighter version, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese. You can opt for turkey bacon if you want a leaner alternative.
• Ranch Seasoning (1 packet): This seasoning brings all the flavors together, offering tangy, herbaceous notes. If you prefer homemade ranch seasoning, you can mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and salt.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): The cheddar cheese enhances the richness of the dish and creates a gooey, cheesy finish. You can swap it for mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if desired.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Chicken broth helps create the sauce and keeps everything moist. You can also use vegetable broth if you’re avoiding animal products.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into large chunks for easy cooking. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir to combine everything evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the end of the cooking time.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs or a fork to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. The chicken should easily fall apart and mix well with the creamy sauce.
5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce. Add the remaining crumbled bacon and give it a final stir.
6. Serve: Once everything is well combined, serve the crack chicken immediately. It’s perfect over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Tips for This Recipe:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender.
• Cream Cheese: Be sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker. It will blend more easily into the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Optional Additions:

• Green Onions: Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and a burst of color.
• Extra Cheese: You can add more shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Serving Ideas:

This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Over Cauliflower Rice: The creamy chicken pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to regular rice.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a light and refreshing option, scoop the chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves for a satisfying wrap.
• On a Salad: Add it to a salad with avocado, greens, and your favorite keto-friendly dressing for a complete meal.

Storage Recommendations:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The creamy sauce will keep its consistency even after reheating, making this a great meal prep option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time, and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving.

Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Is this recipe spicy? It’s not spicy by default, but you can easily adjust the level of spice by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 28g

I’m so excited to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, tasty recipes, and all the support you need to crush your goals. Want to make your keto journey easier? Get a meal plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences, designed to keep you on track effortlessly. Start your personalized plan now!